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FUNGUS
Exodus

Self-released (2018)
Rating: 8/10

Exodus is the third opus from this Madrid, Spain-based quartet that formed back in 2001, but has only been prolific record-wise since 2013.

Fungus really is an interesting bunch because I’ve seen people describe these guys as “stoner metal” when clearly there’s a lot more to their arsenal. Just slap on this new album and become immersed by the thrashing menace of opener ‘Under A Red Sky’; a feisty, rollicking slab of devilish metal combining traditional metal prowess, springs of power metal and that thrash framework with a foundation of chugging riffs.

This isn’t stoner metal, it’s straight up 80s styled heavy metal featuring vocals that wouldn’t seem out of place on a power metal release from that creaky era. Bassist Fernan “Matus” has an attention-grabbing style to his vocal tones, commanding from the hilltop like some town crier of doom while behind him the steady flow of Fernando Barco’s riffs rumble with dark majesty.

‘Shield Wall’ merges that classic metal chime with an ominous traipse before suddenly a clattering chunk of galloping speed takes over, while ‘Stirling Bridge’, one of my favourite tracks, rumbles like some rusty old Manilla Road cut. The keyboards of Miguel “Willy” add flavour throughout the record, not overwhelming the tracks but instead providing an atmospheric haze, supplying a retro feel to that already creaky, antique grumble.

The trickling bass signals the start of the trudging ‘Warrior Woman’, another infectious doomscape which melts into the excellent ‘Wadi Rum’. The latter oozes thick crusty waves of black foam and Fernan’s vocal style alters its direction, coming across more like a choppy slurp. It’s essentially doomy but not strictly doom metal, if that makes sense?

Fungus provide a sound that feels and sounds aged, like some lo-fi cult gem from the mid 80s; musty in odour, rich and heaving. The title track fizzes with a bluesy-psych opening chord which actually does nod to a stoner-type vibe, and yet even through its weight it remains probably the album’s most refreshing and almost, contemporary structure.

‘Eaters Of The Dead’ is another mighty slab of slow-burning metal. Here, the combo build a foundation of steady drum plods and a simmering guitar and bass to create an almost cosmic sheen. But when the pace finally quickens we get a real feeling of dread, the track fully unravelling as a classy, almost majestic slice of up-tempo doom, if such a thing exists?

And by the time closer ‘Lash Of Thunder’ strikes in with purpose like some crossover cauldron of punk, metal and doom, you’ll be throwing up the horns and casting eerie shadows on the wall as the candle flames flicker to the vibrant and refreshing sound that is Fungus.

Neil Arnold

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